With Rheostat Or Switch Patents (Class 362/295)
  • Patent number: 5653532
    Abstract: A lamp device includes three resilient blades extended downward from a housing. The housing includes a lower peripheral flange extended radially inward and having an opening. A switch is secured to a panel of a plate which is fixed in the housing. A cover of light transmissible material is engaged in the housing and has a peripheral rib extended radially outward for engaging with the peripheral flange of the housing so as to be supported in the housing. The resilient blade is engaged with the peripheral rib of the cover so as to stably retain the cover in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: Bobby Chan
  • Patent number: 5584571
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for simulating lighting effects such as an illumination effect necessary to simulate a real life effect for an ornamental display. More specifically, the present invention relates to a light effect which undergoes a number of readily discernable illumination intensities so as to create an illusion of a rotating light beacon which may be used in connection with a lighthouse, control tower, search light or the like. The present invention is quite durable and reliable and economically manufactured and may be positioned readily within a model display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventors: Vinal D. Chandler, Thomas L. Edmonds
  • Patent number: 5528448
    Abstract: A heat flow detector is described which measures a predetermined rate of heat flow in its surroundings, the surroundings being in the proximity of a recessed incandescent fixture which is designed to operate safely in the designated environment. Should the operating environment change for the fixture it will be sensed by the heat flow detector. If the operating environment becomes more dangerous so that a fire or other damage may occur the heat flow sensor will turn the incandescent lamp off and on at a slow rate to indicate the changed operating environment. The heat flow detector will cause a slow turn off and on if an oversize lamp is inserted in the incandescent fixture. The heat flow detector will thus prevent an overloaded condition due to an oversize bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley S. Brenner, James N. Pearse, George E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5497295
    Abstract: A high illumination level lighting system. The system comprises a light source module and a lighthead. The light source module is remote from the lighthead. An elongated light piping member has a first end in said light source module and a second end adjacent said light head. Light energy from the light source module is transported by the light piping member to the lighthead which collects the light energy from the second end of the light piping member, controls it and directs it in a desired pattern onto a site to be illuminated. A support assembly is provided for the light head. The support assembly may hold the light head in fixed position, or it may be adjustable so as to hold the light head in adjusted positions. The light source module may be provided with filter elements to eliminate unwanted wave lengths, heat, and to provide color temperature control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Lumitek Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel C. Gehly
  • Patent number: 5438491
    Abstract: A vehicular sun visor having a lighted vanity-mirror and sliding door is provided with a fixed lens aligned with a lamp at one end of the mirror and a lens which moves with the door into alignment with the lamp at the other end of the mirror. An automatic brightening intensity circuit is provided. Automatic motor drive is also provided for the sliding door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Jay Roberts Company
    Inventor: Jay R. White
  • Patent number: 5418701
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) that combines within a unitary protective tubular structure (12) a retractable, extendable and omni-positionable light assembly (20) that houses a halogen lamp (20I that is controlled by a switch/circuit breaker (22A). The switch is attached to the housing and is connected in series between the lamp (20I) and a lamp power cord (22B,22E) that terminates at the output of a utility-power junction box (32) that includes a pair of auxiliary a-c power outlets (32L). The input to the junction box (32) is a primary power input cord that terminates with a male power input connector (32J). The connector (32J) connects with a female connector (36A) that is attached to one end of an electrical power cord (36) and that is fixedly attached to a power-cord reel (38). The other end of the cord (36) is wound around the power-cord reel (38) and terminates with a male connector (36B) that connects to an a-c power outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventor: Don B. Hart
  • Patent number: 5329430
    Abstract: A dimming control circuit for use in an illuminated vanity mirror includes a surface formed variable resistor on a conductive circuit substrate and wiper contacts engaging the resistor. One of the resistor and wiper contacts is movably mounted to a mirror frame with the other of the resistor and wiper contacts being stationary such that the resistance can be varied to control the light intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Lanser, Paul T. Vander Kuyl
  • Patent number: 5321576
    Abstract: A heat flow detector is described which measures a predetermined rate of heat flow in its surroundings, the surroundings being in the proximity of a recessed incandescent fixture which is designed to operate safely in the designated environment. Should the operating environment change for the fixture it will be sensed by the heat flow detector. If the operating environment becomes more dangerous so that a fire or other damage may occur the heat flow sensor will turn the incandescent lamp off and on at a slow rate to indicate the changed operating environment. The heat flow detector will cause a slow turn off and on if an oversize lamp is inserted in the incandescent fixture. The heat flow detector will then prevent an overheated condition due to an incorrect bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley S. Brenner, James N. Pearse, George E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5307255
    Abstract: An improved structure of portable quartz lamp with a lamp housing having a handle and a central post therebeneath, which has between a stand and the central post a connecting piece having a hollowed interior and has an upper and a lower axial pipe portions, the upper one is threadably connected with the central post, and the lower one has its bottom end supported on a top surface of the stand and connected with a bolt thereunder; power conductors are connected in such a way that they will not be tangled with one another when in adjustment of light intensity; the rear surface of the connecting piece has a case for shielding the adjusting mechanism; the adjustment can therefore be effected unafraid of rain infiltration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Inventor: Chi-Lin Chen
  • Patent number: 5272603
    Abstract: A light fixture, particularly adapted for use in vehicles, including land recreational vehicles and boats, comprises a base fixable on a mounting surface of a vehicle and including provision for mounting a lamp to shine forward from the base. A light transmitting lens mounts in front of the base for covering a lamp mounted on the base. The lens is convexly shaped and laterally overhangs the base with a peripheral portion adapted to lie close to the mounting surface at a height less than the height of the base. The lens has a central portion extending from the peripheral portion and overlapping the base for transmitting light from a lamp on the base. A lamp actuating switch is located on the base under the lens and upon depression of the lens by the user changes the state of the switch and the condition of illumination of the light fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: ITC Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard J. Camarota, James H. Miller, Steven R. Isenga
  • Patent number: 5205637
    Abstract: An illumination device for a remote control console having at least one light source and a control box having switching circuitry for selectively providing an electric current to illuminate the light source. The control box has an upper cover panel, a lower cover panel, and an internal circuit board panel. The switching circuitry is operationally connected to the control box and the light source. The switching circuitry provides an electrical power supply to the light source when activated to light the keyboard console. The light source is operationally connected to the post assembly and the control box. The post assembly is provided and is adjustable for positioning the light source at various selected positions directly over the keyboard console. The control box is adapted for releasable attachment to the body of the remote control console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Inventor: Fred Caspari
  • Patent number: 5183324
    Abstract: This invention relates to a lighting accessory which may be worn by an individual that allows the user to variably direct the light emissions along an arc of approximately 180 degrees in front of and above the user. Once the light is positioned, it can be operated hands-free. The apparatus is self-contained having a housing comprised of two members hingedly connected together. When the housing is opened by rotating one member about the common hinge axis relative to the other housing member, the internal light switch is triggered to activate the light source. The switch is operably responsive to the relative positions of the housing members, disengaging the light source from the power source when the members are closed and engaging the light source to the power source when the housing unit is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Inventor: Roy Thomas
  • Patent number: 5177658
    Abstract: A heat flow detector is described which measures a predetermined rate of heat flow in its surroundings, the surroundings being in the proximity of a recessed incandescent fixture which is designed to operate safely in the designated environment. Should the operating environment change for the fixture it will be sensed by the heat flow detector. If the operating environment becomes more dangerous so that a fire or other damage may occur the heat flow sensor will turn the incandescent lamp off and on at a slow rate to indicate the changed operating environemnt. The heat flow detector will cause a slow turn off and on if an oversize lamp is inserted in the incandescent fixture. The heat flow detector will thus prevent an overheated condition due to an oversize bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley S. Brenner, James N. Pearse, George E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5165785
    Abstract: The invention herein relates to a kind of improved floor lamp dimmer and the improvements include the electronic components required by the dimmer circuit enclosed in an oblong case, which is then installed inside the column of the floor lamp; moreover, there is a slot in the case and the column for the placement of an operating bolt which is linked to slide-type lever of the rheostat; the aforementioned operating bolt can be moved upward and downward along the the outside of the floor lamp column, thereby serving as the power switch and brightness adjuster; the dimmer is enhanced in that the design includes an LED indicator which is connected to the electrical circuit of the floor lamp and is capable of outputting a light signal, thereby making it possible to find the location of the dimmer in the dark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Inventor: Paul Doong
  • Patent number: 5157579
    Abstract: A heat flow detector is described which measures a predetermined rate of heat flow in its surroundings. The surroundings being in the proximity of a recessed incandescent fixture which is designed to operate safely in the designated environment. Should the operating environment change for the fixture it will be sensed by the heat flow detector. If the operating environment becomes more dangerous so that a fire or other damage may occur the heat flow sensor will turn the incandescent lamp off and on at a slow rate to indicate the changed operating environment.The heat flow detector will cause a slow turn off and on if an oversize lamp is inserted in the incandescent fixture. The heat flow detector will then prevent an overheated condition due to an incorrect bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley S. Brenner, James N. Pearse, George E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5143437
    Abstract: The brightness within a vehicle room is adjusted according to external brightness (i.e. illuminance or luminance) at night in such a way that the brightness is increased with increasing external brightness and decreased with decreasing external brightness, under due consideration of human eye adaptation to external lightness and darkness. Therefore, the passenger can read a book, for instance, at roughly a constant visual sensitivity, without being subjected to the influence of change in external illuminance or luminance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Company, Limited, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yohsio Matsuno, Shinichiro Choji, Kenichi Sasaki, Yoshinori Tanabe
  • Patent number: 5142464
    Abstract: A rotary dimmer switch mounting structure for a floor lamp, comprising two tubes connected by a pipe connector and fastened in a floor to support a lamp, and a rotary dimmer switch received inside the pipe connector and the tubes and controlled by a revolving shaft to regulate the intensity of light produced by the lamp, wherein the pipe connector has an elongated slot longitudinally extending from either end edge thereof for receiving the rotatable control shaft and therefore, the diameter of the tubes can be smaller than the total height of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Inventor: Gary Wang
  • Patent number: 5139343
    Abstract: For a decorative string or Christmas tree light assembly, a lamp holder comprising a major lamp base supported on an auxiliary lamp base to holder a lamp socket, the major lamp base having a switch at a bottom thereof, the switch having two opposite ends respectively connected to the electric circuit of a decorative string or Christmas tree light assembly, and wherein disconnecting the lamp socket from the major lamp base causes a conductive spring in the auxiliary lamp base to connect the switch permitting the electric circuit of such decorative string or Christmas tree light assembly to be constantly electrically connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Inventor: Wen-Hsiung Lin
  • Patent number: 5138538
    Abstract: A flashlight having a self-extingushing feature that prevents unintentional run-down of its batteries, particularly when used by children, which is achieved by means of a circuit breaking device controlled by a timer, and further having a bypass switch, preferably of a child-proof nature, to override the self-extinguishing feature and thereby improve the utility of such flashlight as an ordinary household flashlight. Optionally, the flalshlight may also have additional "child-proofing" mechanisms such as an interlock to prevent unintended activation of the bypass switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Inventor: Michael Z. Sperling
  • Patent number: 5060118
    Abstract: An apparatus for "color mode switching," which enables duplication of daylight chromaticity for each color family. The present invention emits a selected spectral distribution of light which duplicates the effect of daylight, on a color-by-color basis. This effect is accomplished by a specific arrangement of specialized fluorescent and incandescent lamps which are switched (on/off) in a different pattern for each color family. The device has application anywhere color matching is required, including the after market for automobiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Frank A. Arone
    Inventors: Richard J. Penrod, Roy H. McCullagh
  • Patent number: 5056097
    Abstract: Devices for illuminating a target with a beam of coherent energy. The device has a number of applications. In one, it is employed with a night vision system to make available additional energy which can be utilized by an image intensifier in the night vision system in prodcing a visual image of a target acquired by the night vision system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Inventor: Brad E. Meyers
  • Patent number: 5036517
    Abstract: Devices for illuminating a target with a beam of coherent energy. The device has a number of applications. In one, it is employed with a night vision system to make available additional energy which can be utilized by an image intensifier in the night vision system in producing a visual image of a target acquired by the night vision system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Inventor: Brad E. Meyers
  • Patent number: 5018057
    Abstract: A light module adapted to provide light temporarily in a confined space comprises a generally oblong and relatively thin housing that retains a bulb for providing a source of light, a power source sufficient to activate the bulb, and an electrical control circuit. The circuit includes a touch sensitive sensor for closing a circuit between the bulb and the power source to turn on the bulb, and a timer for opening the circuit to automatically turn off the bulb after it has been on for a predetermined period of time. The circuit also contains elements for requiring the sensor to be touched twice within a limited time period in order to activate the bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: Lamp Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Biggs, Kenneth M. Twain
  • Patent number: 4998318
    Abstract: A knob device mounted on an operating member such as an on/off switch or volume control of a piece of audio or video equipment has a push button which is pushed from the front side of a panel. The push button has a flange which is received in an escutcheon having an inner flange at its front end. A sheet having small projections on at least one of its inner and outer peripheries is disposed between the inner flange and the flange of the push button, as well as between the push button and the escutcheon, thereby to prevent any play or backlash from occurring. The sheet may be thin and interposed between the flange of the push button and the inner surface of the escutcheon in sliding contact with the flange. The knob device may be made of a light transmitting resin mounted on the operating element. The knob has a flange and a mark on its face formed by a non-light transmitting panel. The panel has a non-light transmitting knob guide formed on its rear to guide the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Assignee: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuo Nohtomi, Hideaki Saito
  • Patent number: 4985813
    Abstract: An internally illuminated sphere 10 which will provide portable high intensity light suitable for emergency use, police use, traffic control or other purposes. It consists of a light source 21, a power source 27, and a control which may be internal or external and will provide continuous, intermittent or delayed operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Inventor: Gary W. Putman
  • Patent number: 4984138
    Abstract: A display for a stage lighting control console provides colored display elements adjacent light control devices of the console. Each colored display element corresponds in color to the color of a stage light associated with the adjacent light control device. The colored display elements are replaceable or remountable whereby the display accommodates different stage lighting configurations by rearrangement or substitution of the colored display elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Inventor: Gary R. Graham
  • Patent number: 4979083
    Abstract: A lamp with an integral switch comprises a push switch knob assembly including a knob (33) mounted in a tubular member (31) and urged by a spring (33). The lamp can be mounted such that the switch knob (33) is maintained in its retracted position by something such as a closed trunk hood of an automobile thereby breaking the circuit between a power source and a bulb (4) of the lamp, and is allowed to be moved to its extended position under the action of the spring (33) making the circuit between the power source and the bulb (4). It can be conveniently used for automatically illuminating a trunk room of an automobile, for example, when its trunk hood is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: Daiichi Denso Buhin Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsunesuke Takano, Kouichi Shinzawa
  • Patent number: 4949229
    Abstract: A light-bulb holding device for household appliances in general, and for refrigerators or freezers in particular, comprises a board structure equipped, at a first end, with a sleeve for accommodating a stem portion of a light bulb and, at a second end, opposite to the first end, with a longitudinal slot within which is mounted, in a freely slidable mode, a switch stem which interacts so as to strike, under the action of a biasing spring, with a pair of electrical contacts defined means of respective metal tabs carried laterally by a first lateral surface of the aforenoted board structure and projecting from it in a perpendicular direction. The stem is equipped with a head which projects from the slot and the board structure is equipped, on the first surface and on a second lateral surface opposite to the first surface, with opposed attaching means for, respectively, mounting and electrically connecting a thermostat and a multiple power supply connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: ITW Fastex Italia, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Alberto Bassi
  • Patent number: 4947291
    Abstract: A synthesizer for covert operations under blackout conditions of a light that has shaped energy distributions in the visible wavelengths for visual discrimination of multiple colors upon objects in the user's view and comparative energy suppression in the infrared and certain selected visible wavelengths for reducing the likelihood of detection by external hostile forces having night image intensifiers and for preventing the saturation failure of the user's own image intensifier or those of nearby friendly forces plus apparatus for proportional dimming of the emitted light for observers using the naked eye and observers using image intensifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Inventor: Kevin McDermott
  • Patent number: 4937717
    Abstract: Conduits having the electric wiring for supplying power to lighting fixtures in an area classified as hazardous by reason of the presence of potentially explosive dust, vapor or gas have unobstructed interior passages for conveying nonexplosive gas under pressure from outside the hazardous area to each fixture. The pressure of gas in the conduit network can be monitored automatically and control mechanism can be provided to shut off the supply of electric power to the fixtures if the pressure falls below a predetermined pressure or a dangerous over-pressure condition occurs. At each fixture, the nonexplosive gas can be discharged along the face of the transparent fixture lens and/or along an exterior surface of the fixture housing to prevent build-up of potentially explosive agents and to cool the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Inventor: John M. Betzvog, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4930054
    Abstract: A recessed lighting fixture for installation in an insulated ceiling uses a reflector assembly configuration to passively facilitate the movement of thermally induced air currents to distribute and communicate steady uniform air heated by the fixture lamp to a temperature responsive circuit interrupter. The reflector assembly includes a pair of concentric downwardly facing cones connected at their upper ends and sealed about the lamp socket. The cones are spaced, forming a cone shaped air gap therebetween. The space within the inner cone surrounding the lamp connects through holes at the upper end of the inner reflector with the gap between the cones. The lower rim of the outer cone is suspended above the lower rim of the inner cone to form an annular air passage connecting the lower end of the gap with the chamber between the housing and the outer reflector in which the circuit interrupter is positioned on the inside housing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: NuTone, Inc.
    Inventor: Werner W. Krebs
  • Patent number: 4884179
    Abstract: An all-purpose lamp for use with vehicles. The lamp includes an air impervious housing having a lens formed therein in optical alignment with a bulb carried within the housing. The housing is open at its lower end for receiving a bulb carrier which is movable relative to the housing. Movement of the bulb carrier controls the on-off operation of the lamp. In one embodiment this switching function is effected by operation of a slide supported on the lamp housing and engaging the bulb carrier. Movement of the slide relative to the lamp housing will effect a corresponding movement of the bulb carriage, thereby moving the bulb in to and out from engagement with a pair of electrical contacts supported within the upper portion of the lamp housing. In this manner, illumination of the lamp is controlled by moving the slide to effect a corresponding movement of the bulb carrier into engagement with the electrical contacts coupled to the vehicle power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Inventor: Dennis G. Moore
  • Patent number: 4872099
    Abstract: A light fixture, particularly suitable for recreational vehicles, such as campers, trailers, boats and vans, consisting of a base having a reflector, lens and a bulb controlled by a slide switch. The switch is received within a "drop-in" mounting formed in the base and is retained in its mounting by a manually operated switch actuating slide. The retention structure slidably mounting the slide on the base in cooperation with slide structure superimposed over the switch retains the switch in position minimizing assembly procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1989
    Assignee: Progressive Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Kelley, Dan H. Walters, James G. Stephenson
  • Patent number: 4835667
    Abstract: A device for detecting the level of heat generated by a lighting unit utilizing a sleeve possessing an end portion positioned adjacent to the exterior of the housing, an interior portion, and an exterior portion. A thermal protector is positioned at the interior portion of the sleeve at a selected distance from the exterior of the housing. Air is circulated between the exterior portion of the sleeve and the interior portion of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: Prescolite, Inc.
    Inventor: Denis Wolfe
  • Patent number: 4797794
    Abstract: A reflector lamp for use in a device (i.e., flashlight) that includes a reflector member having a reflecting portion and a base neck portion with an extending stub portion. A lamp capsule (i.e., low wattage tungsten halogen capsule) is disposed within the reflector member and has a pair of lead wires extending therefrom to be received at said stub portion. The stub portion includes oppositely disposed elongated slots of rectangular cross-section formed therein while the lead wires in turn each include, along at least a segment thereof, a workhardened rectangular cross-section of dimension sufficient to enable snug receipt thereof in one of the slots. The lead wires are thus capable of being disposed within the respective slots without the requirement of adhesive or glue therebetween. Further, the lead wires are disposed to a depth sufficient to maintain an interlock therebetween despite exertion of compressive forces imposed on the leads by respective contacts which open and close against the lead wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: William G. Connor, Chris Coliandris
  • Patent number: 4774647
    Abstract: A trouble light incorporates a circuit breaker in its handle to reduce the possibility of shock to a user. The handle is formed of right and left shells and includes a screw-type receptacle for a lamp and an electrical plug receptacle. The circuit breaker is connected in a series with a power cord, and to the screw-type receptacle and the electrical plug receptacle. The circuit breaker instantly interrupts power to the receptacles upon detection of excess current flow in the circuit in the trouble light. The handle shells are molded from an insulating material such as plastic and internal webs are formed to retain the various electrical circuit elements in the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Assignee: Alert Safety Lite Products Co.
    Inventors: James D. Kovacik, James W. Kovacik, Thomas J. Blanch, Paul S. Blanch
  • Patent number: 4770518
    Abstract: A mechanical indicator for indicating the intensity of an illuminator is described for use in an optical instrument. The indicator includes a cover plate having a plurality of apertures and an opaque slide plate mounted behind the cover. The opaque slide plate is connected to the apparatus controlling the lamp intensity and moves across the apertures as the lamp intensity is changed. A source of illumination is positioned with respect to the opaque slide plate so as to emit light through the apertures not covered by the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: Cambridge Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Henry J. Emmel
  • Patent number: 4683521
    Abstract: An under hood and luggage compartment lamp assembly which is adapted to be positioned on a hood or luggage compartment of a vehicle. The lamp assembly comprises a plastic body which has, at one end, a first set of spaced terminals the outer ends of which extend parallel for connection to a plug of a wiring harness and at the other end of a second set of spaced terminals, the outer ends of which are shaped for receiving a wedge based lamp. The inner end of the other of the first set of terminals is bent and resiliently engages the spherical contact of a mercury switch and the inner end of one of the second set of terminals is bent and engages the button contact of the mercury switch. The inner end of the first set of terminals directly engages the inner end of the other of the second set of terminals. The body is provided with projections and recesses for locating the terminals such that they can be dropped in place during assembly. A cover closes the body and mechanically locked to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Assignee: Beta Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Poleschuk, LeRoy A. Poleschuk
  • Patent number: 4610498
    Abstract: A polarized screw base assuring constant angular orientation of a lamp has a polarizing locator for engaging a stop in a mating socket. The locator consists of a length of metal rod welded lengthwise on the crest of a base thread with multiple spot welds to assure adequate shear strength. The leading end of the locator is formed with a hooked or alternatively with a balled end to achieve a locking effect with the stop in the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1986
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Leonard A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 4598345
    Abstract: A radio-controlled TV or movie studio spotlight or general purpose illumination instrument; two joy sticks, one for the pan or tilt, the other one for the dim or iris adjustments and settings, respectively, are installed on a panel of a 4-channel radio transmitter accessible for manual actuation to provide the respective commands for a four-channel radio receiver and thereby for the remote control of the lighting equipment functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1986
    Inventor: Jeff Kleeman
  • Patent number: 4577262
    Abstract: A container for storage on an offshore work site. A lightweight metal container is provided with a latching mechanism which is operable by hand or foot pressure for allowing opening of the container. The container has attached thereto a spring loaded assembly for causing automatic opening of the top upon release of the latching mechanism from the top. A power source, switch and lamp are attached to the container for automatic illumination of the contents therein upon opening of the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1986
    Inventor: Leonard J. Buteaux
  • Patent number: 4570208
    Abstract: Lamp, including a head, a concave mirror reflector disposed in the head, a battery case, and a carrier for a light source being integral with the battery case forming a one-piece unit, the reflector and the carrier being movable to each other in axial direction, and a method for producing the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1986
    Inventor: Knut O. Sassmannshausen
  • Patent number: 4559583
    Abstract: A light reflection and blinking light apparatus comprising a light emitter, a means for regulating the transmission of light from the light emitter, and a length of fiber optic in communication with the light emitter incorporating a means for reflecting the light transmitted within the fiber optic to the outside at a specified location, and method for using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1985
    Assignee: Tradebest International Corporation
    Inventor: Ming-ho Ku
  • Patent number: 4559588
    Abstract: A penlite the body of which is made from two reinforced plastic half-bodies which are joined along one common edge by an integral web hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1985
    Inventors: Steven N. Engelson, John McAnallan
  • Patent number: 4549251
    Abstract: The invention provides an advantageous shape of discharge tube and a discharge lamp including such a tube which is particularly beneficial for use in dimensions intended to replace general lighting service lamps but can readily be adapted to other sizes. The discharge tube is shaped to define a substantial part of the boundary of a substantially planar zone. The part of the tube defining the boundary includes at least one straight portion. In one embodiment it defines three sides of a square with the ends of the tube being re-entrant into the fourth side. In a preferred embodiment a support housing central to the zone holds the ends of the tube thereby supporting it. Preferably one or more arms extending from the support housing grip the tube between its ends for further support. The support housing may include some circuit elements and provides electrical connection to the lamp as well as providing a convenient point to handle the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1985
    Assignee: Thorn EMI plc
    Inventors: John M. Chapman, Basil Antonis
  • Patent number: 4547837
    Abstract: A self contained light source consisting of a metal cylinder, preferably aluminum, encasing a battery threaded into one end of the aluminum cylinder there being a non conducting insulator which is manufactured to fit into bore of a commercial transparent archers nock. Located in hollow bore of said commercial nock there being a L.E.D. which is energized by screwing nock assembly into aluminum cylinder there by completing electrical circuit. The L.E.D. is selected to impose the proper current demand on the battery, which by its size becomes self limiting and is unable to burn out the L.E.D., there by eliminating all other electrical voltage controlling devices. The above described components form a unit assembly which may be glued into any commercial tubular arrow with minor modifications to the arrow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1985
    Inventor: Tommy N. Bennett
  • Patent number: 4544990
    Abstract: An illuminating telescopic device is described for use in a wide variety of applications, such as a signalling device, a conventional flashlight, an indicating light, a play light, and the like. The illuminating telescopic device includes one or more light transmissive extensible elements having a combined length greater than the length of its associated housing, so as to provide an effective signalling device when in use, while being compactly portable when stored within its housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1985
    Inventors: Alex Wieselman, Leonard D. Prince
  • Patent number: 4542445
    Abstract: An electric light balloon containing a balloon, a housing for insertion into the balloon, access for inflation, illumination device, power supply, and a way for activating the system wherein the housing contains an orifice at its top end directly in line with the longitudinal axis of the balloon to allow direct light to enter the balloon from the bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1985
    Assignee: Louis J. Castaldo
    Inventor: Michael Marletta
  • Patent number: 4542447
    Abstract: A flashlight attachment for a firearm, for illuminating a target in darkness, comprises a lightweight flashlight casing which clips underneath the firearm barrel, and a touch switch for operating same which is connected to circuit leads extending from the casing, the touch switch being releasably secured to the firearm handle by Velcro fasteners so that it may be operated by hand pressure by a user of the firearm without the user having to release his or her grip on the handle. The attachment may be speedily and efficiently attached to a firearm and removed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1985
    Inventor: Timothy L. Quakenbush
  • Patent number: 4538218
    Abstract: A lighting control system is provided which utilizes a light responsive sensor means and a control system to respond to the skylight illumination while rejecting direct sunlight as a control parameter. The skylight illumination level is used to control lighting power controllers that can dim interior lighting equipment in a defined pattern to maintain a uniform light level at a work surface and to conserve electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1985
    Assignee: Honeywell Ltd.
    Inventor: Francis M. Watson